Industrial Development Opportunities For Wood Products In Virginia

Abstract

The forest-based industry in Virginia, with some 65,000 employees, is already a significant contributor to the stateâs economy. But the forest resources of the Old Dominion, which cover 61 percent of its land area ranging from the mountains to the sea, are still underutilized. It is this under-used portion that holds opportunities for more industrial development and additional employment. Also, increased utilization would provide for increased forest and land management opportunities, thus improving the future potential of these forests. This report discusses some of the opportunities for industrial expansion in Virginiaâs forest products industry. These opportunities are not unrealistic; in fact, all of them are either close to commercialization or already in production. Some of them would bring into production species and grades of timber that are not now being fully utilized. Others would add value to products already being manufactured. Some call for expansion of existing production; a few are completely new products. The approximate investment requirements of these selected opportunities range from $50,000 to $40,000,000. Many entrepreneurs should find such product opportunities attractive. That, in essence, is the purpose of this report. By flagging some specific forest product opportunities, we hope to pique the interest of entrepreneurs so they will seek further information. Be assured that the School of Forestry and Wildlife Resources at Virginia Tech stands ready to assist. This report should also be of interest to economic development professionals who are looking for potential investment and employment situations for their jurisdictions.

Citation

Lamb, Fred M.; Wengert, Eugene M.; Araman, Philip A.; Avellar, Brecc; Kamke, Frederick A.; Muench, John; White, Marshall S. 1990. Industrial Development Opportunities For Wood Products In Virginia. Committee on Economic Development in the Forest Products Industry. 31 pp.